The Zonta Club of Dhaka III, Bangladesh, shared the story of Tamanna, a young woman who survived child marriage and domestic abuse, as part of the global 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence campaign.

Married at a young age, Tamanna faced abuse from her husband and in-laws before the marriage ended when her father, a rickshaw puller, was unable to provide a dowry. Her second marriage also ended in hardship when her husband abandoned her while she was two months pregnant.

Members of the Zonta Club of Dhaka III stepped in to support Tamanna by providing financial assistance, health care support and emotional guidance during a difficult time in her life.

Tamanna later gave birth to a baby boy through a cesarean section, with one Zonta club member covering the hospital expenses. Despite the challenges she faced, Tamanna has continued to rebuild her life and support her child.

Having completed her education through grade eight, she now earns income through a variety of small jobs, including household work, sewing, tutoring children and selling mangoes and homemade pickles in her village. When additional support is needed, members of the Zonta Club of Dhaka III continue to assist her.

Her son is now 10 months old, and Tamanna plans to begin working at a garment factory in Dhaka in the coming months while her mother helps care for the child.

Through resilience, determination and the support of her community, Tamanna continues to build a future for herself and her family. She often reminds herself, “I can, I will and I must.”